Question

Marine biologists have long thought that variation in the shell color of aquatic snails evolved as protective camouflage against birds and other predators. Brown shells seem to be more frequent when the underlying seafloor is dark-colored and white shells more frequent when the underlying seafloor is light-colored. A new theory has been advanced, however, that claims that shell color is related to physiological stress associated with heat absorption. According to this theory, brown shells will be more prevalent in areas where the wave action of the sea is great and thus heat absorption from the Sun is minimized, whereas white shells will be more numerous in calmer waters, where the snails will absorb more heat from the Sun's rays. Evidence that would strongly favor the new theory over the traditional theory would be the discovery of a large majority of (A) dark-shelled snails in a calm inlet with a dark, rocky bottom and many predators (B) dark-shelled snails in a calm inlet with a white, sandy bottom (C) light-shelled snails in an inlet with much wave action and a dark, rocky bottom (D) light-shelled snails in a calm inlet with a dark, rocky bottom and many predators (E) light-shelled snails in a calm inlet with a white, sandy bottom and many predators

Short answer

Option (C) strongly supports the new heat absorption theory.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the New Theory

The new theory claims that shell color is related to heat absorption, where brown shells are more common in areas of high wave action (minimizing heat absorption) and white shells are more common in calm waters, where more heat absorption occurs.

Understand the Traditional Theory

The traditional theory suggests that snail shell color provides camouflage against predators, with brown shells blending into dark-colored seafloors and white shells blending into light-colored seafloors.

Identify Conditions for the New Theory

For the new theory to be favored, we need evidence of shell colors corresponding to the level of wave action rather than the seafloor color. Specifically, white shells should be found in calm areas and dark shells in areas with high wave action, counter to what camouflage would predict.

Analyze Each Option for New Theory Support

- (A) Dark-shelled snails in calm water with a dark floor supports camouflage, not the new theory. - (B) Dark-shelled snails in calm water with a light bottom challenges both theories. - (C) Light-shelled snails in high wave action waters contradicts camouflage, supports new theory through heat absorption. - (D) Light-shelled snails in calm water with a dark floor aligns more with new theory due to calm conditions favoring heat absorption. - (E) Light-shelled snails in calm water with light floor aligns with both theories (camouflage and heat absorption).

Determine the Strongest Evidence

Based on the analysis, option (C) provides the strongest evidence for the new theory. Light shells in an environment with much wave action (counter to camouflage) suggest physiological adaptation is at play, supporting the idea of shell color adapting to heat stress.

Key concepts

Logical Reasoning Skills

Logical reasoning is a vital skill that you can build over time, especially when preparing for tests like the LSAT. It involves the ability to think clearly and make connections between different ideas. The aim is to draw logical conclusions from given statements or premises.
Logical reasoning often encompasses:

• Analyzing arguments and identifying underlying assumptions.
• Drawing conclusions based on evidence.
• Evaluating different viewpoints critically.

In our exercise, understanding the logical structure behind arguments is crucial. First, traditional and new theories are presented. To find the strongest evidence for the new theory, assess each situation against both views. By focusing on evidence that appears contrary to camouflage yet supports heat absorption, you enhance your logical reasoning abilities. Practicing with exercises that demand this level of analytical thinking will improve your skills over time.

Scientific Theories Comparison

In science, theories are frameworks that provide explanations for occurrences. Comparing scientific theories involves evaluating how different hypotheses explain the same phenomena.
When comparing theories, consider:

• The data each theory accounts for.
• The predictions each theory makes.
• The simplicity or complexity of each theory.

In the marine biologists' situation, you have two theories about snail shell color: camouflage versus heat stress. Each theory explains shell color variation in a distinct way. By comparing the predictions—such as where brown or white shells should be found based on wave action and seafloor color—you gain insight into the validity of each theory. This forms a cornerstone for scientific inquiry and helps you understand more advanced scientific methods.

Evidence Evaluation

Evaluating evidence is essential in determining which of competing theories is more likely to be accurate. Good evidence is consistent, supportive, and relevant to the theory it aims to confirm or refute.
To evaluate evidence effectively:

• Identify whether the evidence supports or challenges each theory.
• Examine the context surrounding the evidence.
• Look for consistency or inconsistency across various pieces of data.

In our problem, determining whether the new theory of physiological stress due to heat absorption holds water requires us to find data points that align with its predictions, such as light-shelled snails in high wave action areas. Evidence inconsistent with the camouflage theory, yet supportive of the heat stress theory, would strongly favor the latter. This process of evidence evaluation heightens your analytical toolkit for scientific reasoning and problem solving.

Test Preparation

Effective test preparation, especially for exams like the LSAT, involves a strategic approach to enhancing your cognitive capabilities and ensuring comprehension of key concepts.
Here are some strategies for preparing successfully:

• Practice regularly with a variety of questions and scenarios.
• Focus on understanding underlying concepts, not just memorizing facts.
• Review errors carefully to understand your mistakes and avoid them in the future.
• Develop time management skills to handle timed test conditions effectively.

In the context of logical reasoning, when preparing for tests, you should aim to improve your critical thinking power and your ability to evaluate and synthesize information. This will not only make you proficient in answering test questions but will also provide you with a solid foundation for lifelong learning.